Dozens killed in Thai floods that force thousands from their homes

Authorities in Thailand say dozens of people have been killed in floods that have affected almost three million people over the past two weeks.

But experts have downplayed concerns that floodwaters in 2013 might reach the levels of 2011, the worst in half a century, when more than 800 people were killed and agricultural and industrial lands were devastated.

Dozens of people have also been killed over the past few weeks in flooding in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Officials also say tropical storm Wutip has passed through Thailand with no serious damage, despite leaving a trail of destruction in Vietnam.

Flood analyst and Director of the Climate and Disaster Centre at Bangkok's Rangsit University Seree Supratid told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific that while the damage is significant there is no chance that there will be the same level of damage experienced in 2011.

"The water started overflowing the banks in September 2011. We don't see that we have that here. It is far beyond the flooding conditions on 2011," he said.

Officials say 32 out of 77 provinces have experienced flooding since mid-September forcing more than 15,000 people from their homes.